A Note from Leigh Anne …
To My Many Friends and Family Known and Unknown,
It has now been 18 days since Dustin hit a bump in the road that brought dark providence into our lives. I cannot begin to say thank you enough for the outpouring of love and support you have given me and my children. I truly feel God’s presence upholding me every minute. Thank you for your unceasing prayers. Amazingly, I sleep well at night largely due to the fact that some of you awake and pray for me throughout the night. The body of Christ is so beautiful.
I’ve had many good talks with the boys and they understand, as much as children can, the seriousness of the situation. At the same time, they are trying to figure out what it means to trust in Lord with all their heart. Continue to pray for me as I minister to them and help them believe daddy’s words on God’s providence.
I’ve experienced a whole range of different emotions, but at this moment my heart is sad because I miss my best friend. I know the road ahead is long, but I do know that I’m not alone, so together we wait for God’s glory to be revealed.
Love,
Leigh Anne
November 27th, 2006 at 6:27 pm
Leigh Anne,
If there is anything that Susan and I can do, please let me know. I’m keeping Dustin in my prayers.
Vinny
November 27th, 2006 at 7:38 pm
Leigh Anne,
Everytime I pray for you I can’t help but think of the new Casting Crowns song “I’ll Praise You in this Storm”. It would probably be too sad to listen to right now but the line that keeps sticking out to me is “You [God] are who You are, no matter where I am”. I am praying, among other things, that the God of Peace that passeth all understanding, will make His presence so known to You- no matter where you are in this walk. Hug the kids for Mrs. Amy (there across the miles, unknown friend).
Amy
November 27th, 2006 at 7:58 pm
We all love you, Leigh!
November 27th, 2006 at 8:32 pm
Leigh Anne,
Just know that we are thinking and praying for Dustin–I’ve got the whole congregation at First Congregational UCC in Coloma, Michigan praying for him. I know that Christ is right beside you, Dustin and your kids…and know that we are next to you as well.
Much peace,
Cousin Kevin
November 27th, 2006 at 8:33 pm
You guys are all on our minds all day long- we are still praying with hope.
November 27th, 2006 at 9:54 pm
Leigh Anne and Family,
You are constantly in our thoughts and prayers. We have had special prayer in our church for you and your family since this horrible tragedy began. Just know that the Lord will not put more on you than you can stand. He is there with you 24/7. Stay strong and if there’s anything we can do, please don’t hesitate to let us know. We love you and your family.
Lisa and Lauren Taylor
November 27th, 2006 at 10:21 pm
We are praying, crying, hoping, and trusting.
John and Denise
November 27th, 2006 at 10:47 pm
Our family, and those who knew you and Dustin from St. Mary of the Angels in Orlando, are praying for Dustin, you and the children. Our prayers are for your strength and continued hope for Dustin’s recovery. Please know that we are only a phone call away if you need anything. May God bless bless you during this time of trial. Wendy, Dave, Keri, Cassie and Drew
November 27th, 2006 at 11:13 pm
Hi Leigh Anne, I “happened” to hear of Dustin’s accident through a friend out here in Washington. He had heard of the prayer request at our church’s prayer meeting and was so moved that he forwarded information on to others to encourage others to be praying as well. I have (and our whole family) have been praying for Dustin’s recovery and for you and the children as often as the Lord reminds me which has been often. I have fond memories of our time at LU and have been so pleased to see how the Lord has blessed your whole family and used you to be such blessings to others. May your heart be truly comforted and encouraged as you continue to trust in His goodness and mercy. Love, Sandra (Walker) Chiou
November 28th, 2006 at 8:07 am
Leigh Anne,
We just want you to know that you, Dustin and the kids are on our minds, in our hearts and we are praying around the clock. We listened to Dustin’s sermon that he preached the Sunday before the accident. Amazing how God works, huh? When we’ve been through dark times, a past pastor of our, Dr. Billy Burge put it like this, “Sit in the middle of that dark place you are in right now, and listen. Listen, listen, listen, because God is talking.” That’s the best advice we know to give. You know we love you all more than chocolate.
Love,
David, Michelle, Michael and Dawson
November 28th, 2006 at 9:02 am
Leigh Anne, My son is a student at Furman and has been touched by your husband’s ministry—many of us in Mt. Pleasant are praying for you and your husband and your children. I am praying for God’s strength for you as you minister to your children.
In His Love,
Sharon
November 28th, 2006 at 10:22 am
Leigh Anne, I just wanted you to know as a neighbor and friend please call us if we can help in any way. Please call. Julie and I talked and
if you would like our girls to watch the kids one night so you can have a moms night out lets us know when, and we will make sure to arrange it.
Kathy 349-6217
November 28th, 2006 at 10:22 am
May God continue to guide and uplift you. People are praying for you all over the country!
November 28th, 2006 at 2:17 pm
Leigh Anne,
My heart breaks for you and your family. I know there are no words to say, so I just want you to know I am praying for you, along with my RUF students here at New Mexico State, and my family and everyone at 5th Street Presbyterian in Tyler, TX are praying for you as well. God is good.
November 28th, 2006 at 2:37 pm
Leigh Anne,
You do not know me, but I know we are sisters in Christ. The Lord has put you, your children and Dustin on my heart daily. I am praying for all of you and I will not stop. The Lord hears our prayers. This is such a difficult time in your life, but God does care for all of you and he will not forsake you. God is our refuge and strength.
Do not fear, for I am with you: do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand. Isa. 41:10
In Christ,
Rachel
Thank you for the updates.
November 28th, 2006 at 2:40 pm
Even though days pass, you are not forgotten. We continue to lift you all up to our loving heavenly Father. Jennifer Bole for Redeemer PCA, Athens, GA
November 28th, 2006 at 3:34 pm
LeeAnne, We think about and pray for you, Dustin and your children daily. We will continue to lift you up to our loving Father.
Love, Waverlee and Jimmy Williams
November 28th, 2006 at 3:50 pm
You and Dustin and the children are in our prayers all through the day. Thank you for your testimony of trusting the Lord in these difficult days.
“You are my servant,
I have chosen you and not cast you off”;
fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:9-10
November 28th, 2006 at 4:12 pm
Dear Leigh Anne,
God is with you and we are all praying for Dustin’s full recovery.
You are setting such an example of faith for your children that will be greatly rewarded one day.
Love to you,
Jamie Corona
Marietta, GA
Friend of Whitney Tingle
November 28th, 2006 at 5:15 pm
Leigh Anne,
I never met you or Dustin, but my husband and I attended RTS–Orlando and worked at St. Mary’s after Jonathan and Lisa Riddle. We heard much about the two of you and your ministry among the youth and I guess we lived in your old house : ). I heard about Dustin through the RTS newsletter and have been lifting you up in prayer. When my husband (Elijah) was 10, he suffered a siezure that put him in a coma. The prognosis was that he probably wouldn’t make it and if he did, he would be physically or mentally affected. Miraculously, he came out of his coma and quickly returned to a normal, full-functioning 10 year old boy. God is a God of miracles and can move in ways beyond our understanding. I share this story with you, only to encourage you. Ultimately, God is in control even though his hand may be very difficult to see. I pray in faith for God to work miracles for you, for Dustin, and for your family. It is amazing to see the family of God pouring out their love and prayers for your family–may the love of Christ and his children sustain you and strengthen you during this time.
November 28th, 2006 at 5:30 pm
Dear Leigh Anne,
I saw the original notice on the byFaith web newsletter. As a husband, father and PCA brother, I offer my prayers for God’s abundant mercy.
May he continue to pour his love out on your family.
Thank you for your beautiful message.
Jim Hale
Richmond, VA
November 28th, 2006 at 7:34 pm
Leigh Anne,
You and your family have been in our thoughts and prayers daily. God has put you on my heart in a tremendous way. Many people that you do not even know are praying for you here in Butler and all over the world. God will hear these prayers. I will continue to pray for Dustin’s recovery and for comfort and understanding for yourself and the children. You have always been a part of my extended family and I love you.
Brandy
November 29th, 2006 at 12:22 pm
Leigh Anne,
I worked at Furman for 4 years with InterVarsity so I knew Rob Hamby and Meg Ridley well. I heard about Dustin through Redeemer friends and wanted to let you know I’m praying for you and your family.
Anna
December 1st, 2006 at 11:12 am
Leigh Anne - Paul and I are praying for you and your family daily.
December 6th, 2006 at 7:54 pm
Dear Leigh Anne,
My prayers are with you. My heart aches for you that you have lost your best friend.
Do not forget that who he is–Dustin, at his heart–is not just a concoction of neurons and cellular chemistry. Who he is–Dustin–is held preciously in the Lord’s hand. Though his body is damaged, he is not gone.
Do not forget that the Lord also holds a bottle, in which he collects each tear–fear, loneliness, hope, hurt, despair, anger, love, resilient trust and faith. You are valuable to him. Your babies are valuable to him.
With Many Prayers,
Krista Work
December 12th, 2006 at 1:40 pm
Leigh Anne,
You all continue in our prayers.
In His Grace,
Peter & Stacie